Record January signings of Premier League’s top clubs

6) Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham-14.76 million)

The diminutive Englishman was signed by Tottenham from Portsmouth for 14.76 million alongside Robbie Keane who sealed his return from Liverpool for 12 million. A fan favourite at White Hart Lane, Defoe went on to play for Spurs for five years. In his second season, he was the club’s leading goal scorer with 18 goals to his name.

5) Andriy Arshavin (Arsenal-15 million)

The Russian was signed by the Gunners in the 2008/09 January transfer market, with the club in desperate need for freshness. Arshavin was signed from Zenit for 15 million and the diminutive Russian soon settled in at the Emirates. He is most remembered for his four-goal performance against rivals Liverpool in an enthralling 4-4 draw at Anfield. He played over 100 games for the Gunners before returning to Zenit in 2013. Now 36, Arshavin plies his trade in the Kazakhstan Premier League with Kairat.

4) Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City-27 million)

27 million seems low for City’s standards with the Blue half of Manchester amongst the heaviest spenders in the league in recent years. Edin Dzeko too was signed by City in the January transfer window for 27 million. Dzeko went on to play a pivotal role in City’s title triumphs. Jesus, who arrived last season, is following the Bosnian’s path. So impressive that Jesus has managed to dislodge Sergio Aguero, arguably the finest striker in the premier league, as City’s main striker. Jesus has continued his fine run this season leading the line for City as Pep Guardiola looks to win his first title in English football.

3) Juan Mata (Manchester United-37 million)

After falling out with Jose Mourinho, Juan Mata was let go off mid-season by Chelsea. Indeed Mourinho was so desperate to sell Mata that he agreed to send the Spaniard to rivals Manchester United. The Spaniard arrived at United on the back of two consecutive players of the year for Chelsea. Apparently, he was David Moyes’ first marquee signing. He has since performed admirably for the Red Devils but has failed to nail down a regular place on the side.

2) Fernando Torres (Chelsea-50 million)

One of the deadliest forwards at his peak, Torres’ departure from Liverpool attracted immense ridicule from the Kop. Afterall, their star man had chosen to swap shirts with an arch enemy. El Nino was signed by Chelsea as a long-term replacement for the ageing Didier Drogba. While Torres failed to reach heights at Chelsea, he was involved in some of the greatest moments in the club’s history. The Reds, in turn, signed Suarez and Andy Carroll on the deadline day of the same transfer window.

1) Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool-75 million)

Seen as a saviour by many already, the expectations are huge of Van Dijk. Having evolved as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since moving from Celtic, Van Dijk will be expected to stabilise an error-prone Liverpool defence. Liverpool were publicly ostracised by Saints in the summer; however, Liverpool seem to have won over the Saints hierarchy. The defender will likely make his debut against Everton. Some game to begin his Reds career.